An operative of the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, Lamidi Abiodun, has reportedly been killed during an attack by some armed hoodlums in Papa Area of Iwo, PUNCH ONLINE reports.

Also, after the attack on Wednesday, one Nurudeen Alowonle, a member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, was reported missing and has not been found since then, while one Alex Sola was shot in the leg.

Announcing Abiodun’s death in a statement on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer, Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, said Abiodun, alongside his team of Amotekun operatives and some VGN men, had responded to distress calls by farmers from Papa village.

“It is deeply saddened to announce the tragic death of one of its operatives, Mr. Lamidi Abiodun, who was killed during an ambush by suspected armed hoodlums at the Papa boundary area in Iwo, Osun State.

“The incident occurred on Wednesday, following a distress call from local farmers operating in the Papa Farm area Iwo. The farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing attack on their farmland. In swift response, a team of Amotekun operatives, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilised to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.

“Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who has been a menace in the region. During the confrontation, Mr. Abiodun was attacked. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally assaulted with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene,” the statement read.

The statement further explained that after the attack, many of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, adding that “One member of the VGN identified as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the time of this report and one Alex Sola was shot in the leg. The tragic loss of Mr. Abiodun has sent waves of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the entire security community in Osun State.”

The Corps said the incident had been reported at the Iwo Police Divisional Headquarters, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at a local mortuary for further procedures.

It further read, “Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

“The Osun Amotekun Corps remains resolute in its mission to protect the people and communities of Osun State from all forms of insecurity. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Lamidi Abiodun and stand united in honour of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”